[Endoscopic thyroidectomy: preliminary report]

The Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy, described by P. Miccoli in 1998, is a safe and feasible procedure, for the surgical treatment of thyroid nodules of less than 3.5 centimeters. After our first 11 cases, we conclude that only a large experience with the technique will reduce the operating time and the percentage of conversions into a conventional technique. But, as soon as it is possible to succeed already in the first procedures, the benefits of a good cosmetic result and less postoperative pain are evident since the beginning of the learning curve.